Last Modified: Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 5:06 p.m.

Rep. Jerry Dockham, R-Davidson, answers a governmental question at the 2013 annual Legislative Briefing Breakfast at Davidson County Community College.

Donnie Roberts/The Dispatch

Dockham, a Denton native, will take a governor-nominated position with the North Carolina Utilities Commission. The General Assembly approved him to the commission Tuesday.

Dockham, who is in his 12th term in the N.C. House, owned his own insurance business for close to 40 years before selling it near the turn of the decade.

He has also served as a trustee for Davidson County Community College for 25 years, belonged to the Denton Lions Club for 30 years and is a lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church. Dockham also is a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council.

Dockham could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Davidson County Republican Party Chairman Lance Barrett said Dockham is the county's most veteran and senior elected official who has represented his constituents well.

"When the Republicans were the minority for so many years, he worked well with both sides to get things accomplished," Barrett said. "He is respected on both sides of the aisle."

Former Democratic House District 81 Rep. Hugh Holliman can attest to Dockham's collaboration between parties.

"Certainly, when I was there, he did some great work with the insurance committee," Holliman said. "He did a very good job in that regard."

Holliman said Dockham was always focused on his constituent concerns not only in Davidson County but across the state. He added that Dockham's background and personality should mesh well on the Utilities Commission.

"He is the kind of person who will put forth the effort and will learn the commission's ins and outs, including issues involving rate increases," Holliman said. "He'll listen to all of the citizens of North Carolina when they get involved with the rate increase issues."

Long-time Davidson County Commissioner Larry Potts said Dockham has been an asset to the county in helping restore funding streams and working through issues. Potts referenced Dockham's assistance in helping with anti-annexation efforts.

Like Holliman, Potts said Dockham should do well in his new position.

"He's been in the state government for 20 years and certainly has knowledge of how things go on," Potts said. "He's always represented the county in a good manner."

Seven people have applied to succeed Dockham, and the Davidson County Republican Party will select his replacement.

The Republican Party originally hoped to select Dockham's replacement by June 27. However, the party will now wait until the official vacancy notice, which is expected to be drafted by the state board of elections office on or close to July 1, Barrett said.

Because Dockham's departure results in a state vacancy, North Carolina GOP officials will assist the Republican Party with the selection process, Barrett said.

Per election laws, Gov. Pat McCrory must sign off on the selected applicant.

"I'm very happy for him to get this appointment because it's a big deal, but I hate that we are losing him," Barrett said. "He's a consummate professional."

Nash Dunn can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 227, or at nash.dunn@the-dispatch.com. Darrick Ignasiak contributed to this story.

<p>After serving House District 80 for more than two decades. Rep. Jerry Dockham, R-Davidson, is expected to turn in his resignation letter in coming days.</p><p>Dockham, a Denton native, will take a governor-nominated position with the North Carolina Utilities Commission. The General Assembly approved him to the commission Tuesday.</p><p>Dockham, who is in his 12th term in the N.C. House, owned his own insurance business for close to 40 years before selling it near the turn of the decade. </p><p>He has also served as a trustee for Davidson County Community College for 25 years, belonged to the Denton Lions Club for 30 years and is a lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church. Dockham also is a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council. </p><p>Dockham could not be reached for comment Thursday.</p><p>Davidson County Republican Party Chairman Lance Barrett said Dockham is the county's most veteran and senior elected official who has represented his constituents well.</p><p>"When the Republicans were the minority for so many years, he worked well with both sides to get things accomplished," Barrett said. "He is respected on both sides of the aisle."</p><p>Former Democratic House District 81 Rep. Hugh Holliman can attest to Dockham's collaboration between parties.</p><p>"Certainly, when I was there, he did some great work with the insurance committee," Holliman said. "He did a very good job in that regard."</p><p>Holliman said Dockham was always focused on his constituent concerns not only in Davidson County but across the state. He added that Dockham's background and personality should mesh well on the Utilities Commission.</p><p>"He is the kind of person who will put forth the effort and will learn the commission's ins and outs, including issues involving rate increases," Holliman said. "He'll listen to all of the citizens of North Carolina when they get involved with the rate increase issues."</p><p>Long-time Davidson County Commissioner Larry Potts said Dockham has been an asset to the county in helping restore funding streams and working through issues. Potts referenced Dockham's assistance in helping with anti-annexation efforts.</p><p>Like Holliman, Potts said Dockham should do well in his new position.</p><p>"He's been in the state government for 20 years and certainly has knowledge of how things go on," Potts said. "He's always represented the county in a good manner."</p><p>Seven people have applied to succeed Dockham, and the Davidson County Republican Party will select his replacement.</p><p>The Republican Party originally hoped to select Dockham's replacement by June 27. However, the party will now wait until the official vacancy notice, which is expected to be drafted by the state board of elections office on or close to July 1, Barrett said.</p><p>Because Dockham's departure results in a state vacancy, North Carolina GOP officials will assist the Republican Party with the selection process, Barrett said. </p><p>Per election laws, Gov. Pat McCrory must sign off on the selected applicant.</p><p>"I'm very happy for him to get this appointment because it's a big deal, but I hate that we are losing him," Barrett said. "He's a consummate professional."</p><p>Nash Dunn can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 227, or at nash.dunn@the-dispatch.com. Darrick Ignasiak contributed to this story.</p>